A Democrat like Inouye, Hanabusa will submit an application to the Hawaii Democratic Party, which will send three names to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. He will appoint someone from the three to serve until a special election is held in 2014.

Shortly before his death Monday, Inouye sent a letter to Abercrombie urging him to appoint Hanabusa as his successor. And she’s largely expected to get the job.

Both Abercrombie and retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka told the Associated Press neither of them plan to apply for the Senate vacancy.